WebDT 312 tablet passes through the FCC

The WebDT 312 isn’t the most exciting tablet I’ve ever seen, but this little guy which showed up at the FCC this week has a few things going for it which really make it stand out.

First, the WebDT 312 has a 10.4 inch 1024 x 768 pixel display. I know there are a lot of people who have been waiting for a company that’s not Apple to release a tablet with a 4:3 display instead of a widescreen aspect ratio, and it looks like DT Research is stepping up to the plate.

Second, would you take a look at all those buttons on the front? Those are bound to make navigation a bit easier on this slate PC which lacks a physical keyboard.

Spec-wise, the WebDT 312 is nothing to write home about. The computer has a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor and supports up to 64GB of storage on a solid stte disk. It can run Windows 7, Windows XP, or Linux. The tablet weighs just over 2 pounds and measures 8.3″ x 10.3″ x .8″.

The FCC pictures show a pretty mundane looking tablet, but if you visit the DT Research page it looks like there will be a kind of scary case available as well. It’s either bumpy around the edges to make the tablet easier to grip or to add a bit of ruggedness… or both. There’s no word on pricing yet.

The previous model (DT360) is found on eBay pretty regularly, usually in huge lots. I’m guessing tons and tons of them were leased out to hospitals and warehouses and the like. They all have the side-grips too, but didn’t actually have touchscreens (stylus-only inputs). With the front buttons on this thing, I’m wondering if it’s the same way.